Things you need to know today: July 27, 2016

Hello Rappler readers,

US Secretary of State John Kerry is in town for a meeting with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Kerry’s predecessor Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, just made history as the Democrats’ nominee for the White House. And over at the Philippines’ House of Representatives, they finally have a new minority leader.

Below are the big stories we think you shouldn’t miss.

US Secretary of State Kerry to meet with Duterte

America’s top diplomat John Kerry is here in the country for a meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte. Kerry already met with his Philippine counterpart Perfecto Yasay Jr, and said that he hailed Manila’s “measured” response to the historic ruling against Beijing over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Clinton is Democratic presidential bet

As for Kerry’s predecessor, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, she just officially clinched the Democratic presidential nomination. It’s historic as Clinton is the first woman to win the White House nomination of a major US political party.

Danilo Suarez is House minority leader

After much debate, Quezon 3rd District Representative Danilo Suarez has been elected as House minority leader. There was controversy after Ifugao Representative Teddy Baguilat Jr asserted he should be minority leader because he placed second in the speakership race, while Suarez was only third.

Longer validity eyed for car registration

If Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto had his way, the registration of private vehicles would be done every two years, to “spare car owners from making an annual pilgrimage” to the Land Transportation Office. Recto’s idea comes following other proposals to lengthen the validity period of passports and drivers’ licenses.

Ayala Land Premier announces ultra-luxury project

Would you buy a condo unit for P477 million? That’s the price tag for the most expensive unit at Ayala Land Premier’s Park Central South Tower. The “cheapest” unit is P32 million.

Just 1 trainer for 2 PH boxers at Olympics

Philippine national boxing team head coach Nolito “Boy” Velasco will be the only trainer watching over lightweight Charly Suarez and light flyweight Rogen Ladon at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Local organizers imposed a limit on the number of trainers because of the Philippines’ small delegation size.